BookMyShow ’s survey shows that India’s favourite entertainment choice is watching movies on the ‘Big Screen’.- The CineFiles survey says that 90% respondents pick the latest movie release in the theatre, as their go-to option for out-of-home leisure experiences while 63% have movies on their mind at least once every fortnight.
- Not only is the movie and its storyline important, cinephiles are also very picky about seats.
The charm of Shah Rukh Khan can only come alive on the silver screen. Movie studios and multiplex chains, who were a worried lot only last year with multiple flops on the big screen, can now take heart because Indians are not done with the cinema experience. The love for cinema is still as strong as it used to be in India pre-pandemic and the success of big budget larger-than-life movies like
In other words, the onslaught of OTT and web series on theatres, especially after the pandemic broke out, seems to be over and hasn’t dulled the romance of the silver screen is the key takeaway from entertainment platform BookMyShow’s consumer survey. The report, titled ‘The CineFiles,’ has found that 98% Indians believe cinematic magic can only be brought alive on the big screen with a third of them attributing it to certain directors, themes, visual effects (VFX) amongst others.
In fact, the preferred entertainment out-of-home option for 90% respondents is catching the latest movie release in the theatre amongst other leisure activities such as shopping, live gigs, adventure outings and more. With 63% having movies on their mind at least once every fortnight, the cinematic experience is not yet on the wane. And this is true for cinephiles across the length and breadth of the country, with the younger GenZ and Millennial cohorts thinking of the big screen experience for their movie watching outing every week.
The survey was conducted across 5,000 respondents, of which 41% were GenZ and 59% were Millennials and GenX. The respondents were spread across 650 towns and cities. According to Ashish Saksena, COO - Cinemas - at BookMyShow, “The enduring love for movies over the years remains unshaken. First day, first shows continue as a sacred tradition for many fans, inspiring cheers, whistles and endless applause at the sight of beloved stars on the big screen. The film industry's tenacity and adaptability shine through its continual evolution. As an enabler to this world of movies on the big screen, it brings us immense joy to engage with and cater to both a burgeoning younger audience and devoted fans across generations, united in their love for this timeless form of entertainment.”
Indian cinephiles also happen to be quite the planners with 74% keeping an eye out for movies that resonate with them and plan ahead, at least three days in advance, while 26% still prefer a spontaneous dash to the latest flick. It is not just watching the movie that matters, as 74% cinephiles said they were particular about getting a seat of their choice when watching a movie in the theatre and therefore plan ahead while booking tickets.
The key determinants for choosing to step out for a movie experience on the big screen for these consumers remain the storyline, the cast and director, reviews and ratings and the trailer’s impact on them. The survey shows that 43% Mumbaikars choose storyline as the most critical trigger for them to catch a movie in a theatre, significantly higher than other cities., while 38% Delhi-ites rank reviews and ratings highest to determine and decide the film to watch on the big screen. For 32% Bengaluru-eans, the director helming the movie is the most important factor in their decision to watch a movie on the silver screen rather than the movie being a blockbuster release or its trailer previews which are of significantly lower importance. The decision made by the public continues to determine that ‘Content is King’.
The first day, first show mania makes a comeback just like the good ol’ times across the board with 35% GenZs, in particular, preferring the early bird experience. Call it the pandemic effect if you will but 36% of GenZ and Millennial audiences opt to watch a movie on the big screen to find an escape from stress and responsibilities, disconnect from reality and fully engage in the immersive experience! Seasoned GenX cinephiles on the other hand, give a high importance to the cast of the movie and recommendations from family and friends before going ahead for the cinematic ride!